Science and the State: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of U.S. Research Policy
COFFEE_KLATCH
Abstract
Over the past decade, U.S. science policy has moved from a niche interest of the academic research community to a central pillar of national strategy. The renewed focus on the governance of American science has prompted a reexamination of the social returns of R&D, the role of experts in democratic governance, and the relationship between the federal government and research universities. The rapid changes to federal funding for basic science, research security policy, and priorities in STEM education raise the question: how did the United States arrive at this moment and how can researchers make their voices heard?
Tracing the contemporary politics of American science, this talk will provide historical context to recent changes to the federal research policy. Special focus will be given to the evolution of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the history of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. The presentation will open with an overview of the current U.S. science policy landscape and conclude with a discussion on how academic scientists can navigate the new normal.
Kenneth M. Evans, Ph.D., is a Fellow in Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, Assistant Director for Innovation Policy at Rice Innovation, and Lecturer at the Wiess School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on contemporary topics in science and innovation policy, including federal funding for R&D, the U.S. science advisory system, and research security and responsible internationalization. Dr. Evans leads the Baker Institute Research Security Program, and is the co-founder and program manager of the White House Scientists Archive at Rice University's Woodson Research Center Special Collections & Archives. He earned a Ph.D. in applied physics from Rice University, and a B.S. in physics and B.A. in mathematics from the University of Virginia.
Tracing the contemporary politics of American science, this talk will provide historical context to recent changes to the federal research policy. Special focus will be given to the evolution of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy and the history of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology. The presentation will open with an overview of the current U.S. science policy landscape and conclude with a discussion on how academic scientists can navigate the new normal.
Kenneth M. Evans, Ph.D., is a Fellow in Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy at Rice University's Baker Institute for Public Policy, Assistant Director for Innovation Policy at Rice Innovation, and Lecturer at the Wiess School of Natural Sciences. His research focuses on contemporary topics in science and innovation policy, including federal funding for R&D, the U.S. science advisory system, and research security and responsible internationalization. Dr. Evans leads the Baker Institute Research Security Program, and is the co-founder and program manager of the White House Scientists Archive at Rice University's Woodson Research Center Special Collections & Archives. He earned a Ph.D. in applied physics from Rice University, and a B.S. in physics and B.A. in mathematics from the University of Virginia.
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